Standardised Tests


Standardised tests are tests used on a national or international level. They test school-based knowledge and skills. Examples include NCEA examinations, and basic literacy and numeracy tests.

Advantages


  • Identifies current level of achievement.
  • Objective measure.
  • Can show learning gains.

Disadvantages

  • Does not measure potential.
  • May be less effective for culturally diverse or disadvantaged children (Bevan-Brown, 2009).
  • Tests have been discredited for use with Mäori students due to the cultural bias of the test's norms and content (Bevan-Brown, 2009).
  • May have a low ceiling i.e. too many students achieving high scores to distinguish between them.